Arguably the most famous Australian export, Tasmanian native Richard Flanagan has set the literary world on fire with his often bruising, yet always lyrical and evocative novels. Almost every book he has written has been both a best seller and literary award winner. Many of his novels fall under the genre of Tasmanian Gothic, centering … Continue reading #TasmanianLitMonth – The Flanagan Brothers
#TasmanianLitMonth: Zane Pinner on Tasmanian Gothic
Written by guest contributor, Zane Pinner, introduction by Bec Taylor I would like to pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land, the Palawa people of Tasmania, and to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. I acknowledge their deep spiritual connection to the land and their ongoing contributions to the culture of this … Continue reading #TasmanianLitMonth: Zane Pinner on Tasmanian Gothic
Introduction to #TasmanianLitMonth
Written by Bec Taylor Colonization and genocide, penal colonies, rugged unspoilt wilderness, ferocious and prolonged battles over natural resources, cultural and physical isolation, a tremendous foodie culture, and many weird and wonderful animals. Just some of the pillars of Tasmanian literature that have fascinated and enraptured readers across the world. Before I begin writing about … Continue reading Introduction to #TasmanianLitMonth
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Chirri & Chirra, In the Night
If you are familiar with Japanese picture books, you may know that Chirri and Chirra, In the Night is merely the latest (eighth!) entry in the delightful series from author and illustrator Kaya Doi. Translated by David Boyd, this sweet little book is an ode to the magic that nighttime can bring. Chirri and Chirra … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Chirri & Chirra, In the Night
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II
Last week the American Library Association (ALA) presented their annual Youth Media Awards, celebrating the best in literature for young people. Among major awards such as the Caldecott and the Newbery medals, there is also the Mildred L. Batchelder Award, given to an outstanding "children’s book originally published in a language other than English in … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pearl of the Sea
Set in South Africa, Pearl of the Sea* is a beautifully illustrated coming-of-age graphic novel for upper middle grade and YA readers. Pearl, whose mother abandoned the family long before the start of the story, lives with her father, Vernon—a restaurant owner and chef who is sinking deeper and deeper into financial trouble—and her beloved … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pearl of the Sea
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Penguin Who Was Cold
Sometimes you are searching your library catalog for books for a winter-themed storytime, and you come across the perfect book not only for storytime, but also for your next GLLI book review! The Penguin Who Was Cold is an absolutely charming picture book about a penguin who does not fit the mold. Written and illustrated … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Penguin Who Was Cold
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: But perhaps, just maybe…
In But perhaps, just maybe…, Duck and Hedgehog were heading to repair their bike tires one fine day when, “Cat zoomed past on her red motorcycle, riding by them and raising a billowing cloud of dust.” An outraged Duck declared: “Horrible cat! She should have some consideration for others!” Hedgehog however, was inclined to give … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: But perhaps, just maybe…
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Donkey and the Garden
Once upon a time, Akiva was all grown up. He had a wife named Rachel. He had a job as a shepherd. And he had a house—well, maybe not quite a house, but a barn full of straw that kept the two of them warm in winter and gave them shade in summer. So begins … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Donkey and the Garden
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Bedtime for Bo
There are parents and caregivers who look upon bedtime with dread. It can be a fraught time, what with perhaps recalcitrant young children who don't always realize how nice it is to go to sleep, and adults who want nothing more than to do the same. In dreamy Norwegian import Bedtime for Bo, however, a … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Bedtime for Bo
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 